Under the theme “Where the heart speaks” On December 6-7 and 8 of this year 2025, the Lay Claretians of the Northern Region of Spain had a formative meeting at the House of Spirituality of Vic-Barcelona.
Twenty-four (24) lay people from different backgrounds — Euskadi, Catalunya, Aragon, and Madrid—representing six different communities; two advisors, Fr. Ricard CMF and Fr. Koldo CMF; and the formator, Fr. Juan Carlos CMF, experienced a reunion with our origins, in the cradle of the Claretian faith, in Vic, where it all began. Members of a discernment group from Vic also shared life and prayer with us. Guided by Fr. Juan Carlos CMF, we deepened our understanding of our Claretian identity, prayed about it, and enjoyed the time we shared. On Saturday afternoon, we were able to share a time of fellowship and dinner with Fr. Juan Martin CMF and Fr. Maxim, who came from Barcelona.
The entire encounter has been inspiring to rekindle the warmth of our lay vocation, as a family once again alongside our founder Father Claret, walking the streets he walked, visiting the museum where such a great life is summarized, sharing the international Eucharist with the people.
On Monday, on our way back home, some people also went to Sallent.
As lay people, we give thanks to God for what we have experienced, to the Aigua Viva community (Dolors, Joan, Fr. Ricard) for the preparation and care they have put into making this weekend a milestone in our journey as a community, to Fr. Juan Carlos for the two presentations he gave us, and to the presence of members of the Provincial Government of Santucs Paulus, recognizing us as a family, supporting us, and conveying their affection once again.
Paola Dapena Montes lc
Northern Regional Council of Spain
